Modern technology has greatly expanded the gear available to underwater photographers, with newer cameras that are easier to use. Unlike traditional cameras with complex menus and tiny buttons, the ideal underwater camera should have larger buttons and easy settings adjustments, for quick operation even when wearing diving gloves.

We also recommend checking out our waterproof camera housings. They help protect your traditional digital cameras from damage, while allowing you to take your favorite cameras and lenses along on your next dive.

Lighting for Scuba Cameras

Light falls off quickly underwater, so you’ll need underwater lighting and strobes to capture quality photographs while diving. Many underwater photographers prefer a two-light setup that lets the camera’s flash evenly cover and surround a subject. Look for kits with lighting arms that attach to your camera for easier gripping and control.

Camera and flash brackets come in a few different variations. Some models are even adjustable depending on your preferences and the type of underwater photography gear you need to accommodate.

Underwater Photography Camera Lenses

Lenses for underwater cameras aren’t like traditional camera lenses. Many underwater lenses attach to the front of your camera’s integrated lens to adapt the image for a wider field of view or to enlarge your subject.

If you’re using a traditional camera and lens setup with an underwater housing, you’ll need to make sure the housing provides ample room for the physical size of your lens. Look for housing lens ports that suit your lens diameter and length.

Getting Started With Underwater Photography

If you’re an avid scuba diver or snorkeler and you’re interested in getting started with underwater photography, consider reading helpful educational resources before you begin.

Taking photos below the surface requires specific knowledge of available light, appropriate shutter speeds, apertures, and fill flash. You’ll also want to fully understand how to protect your gear and ensure your underwater camera housing is completely sealed to keep your camera dry.

You can find numerous helpful articles right here at Adorama to help you on your next underwater photography adventure:

Browse Our Wide Selection of Underwater Photography Gear

Before embarking on your deep-blue expedition, you'll need to decide which camera you use to take underwater pictures. If you aren’t using a dedicated underwater camera, you’ll need a housing and even additional lighting such as an external flash or strobe. If you want to shoot videos, you can find digital compact cameras with video capabilities (either waterproof or encased in housings).

Whether you’re looking for the best underwater camera for scuba diving, or additional items such as underwater lenses, housings, lighting, and strobes, you’ll find them here at Adorama. Looking to bring your Canon, Nikon, Sony, or Panasonic camera down into the depths of the ocean? With our extensive inventory, you can easily purchase a special housing created explicitly for your chosen photography tool to help you capture the best underwater images and videos.

If you want to start capturing crisp and compelling underwater photos, Adorama offers a wide selection of underwater photography gear from brands like Ikelite and Olympus, video cameras and housings, smartphone housings, as well as lenses and accessories from Ewa-Marine and Sea & Sea.